As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
February 6, 2014
We take note of reports of a recent incident involving the principal of a Latin-script school and Moldovan military observers, which occurred in Parcani in the Security Zone.
This incident could represent a troubling escalation of tensions in Transnistria and we call on all parties to refrain from taking any steps that could further destabilize the situation there.
This incident underscores the need for Moldovan and Transnistrian officials to find a peaceful resolution to the larger issue of the operations of Latin-script schools in Transnistria, to ensure that children growing up on both banks of the river have access to the best possible education.
We recall the report published in February 2013 by the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities that called attention to this important issue.
Incidents like this highlight the need for the OSCE Mission in Moldova to have unrestricted access to all of Moldova to enable it to serve as a neutral arbiter and eyes on the ground for the international community.
We appreciate Ambassador Brush’s continued efforts to faithfully and impartially engage all parties and to encourage open communication and foster trust.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
